Vandalism during demonstrations in France
During the demonstrations of yellow vests, acts of vandalism have multiplied in several large cities. Shop windows were broken, at a frequency never before seen by glazier professionals. So much so that everything can not be repaired quickly.
In the hours following the days of demonstrations the streets of the big cities were cleared of garbage cans and cars burned during the demonstrations. But the many broken windows still bear witness to the violence that has reigned. Glazing professionals speak of an unprecedented level: "It's chaos, we've never faced such damage." Usually when there are demonstrations, the procession moves from one place to another. point A to point B, and it is especially the shopkeepers at the end of the circuit who are subjected to acts of vandalism, where the damage is spread over many streets, "says Alexandre Costa, vice president of the union of glass installers flat (UDIVP) which brings together nearly 250 companies. "Last weekend, we had already had some requests, but it is really since Monday morning that we feel a certain panic.We had calls from merchants installed rue de la Boetie or on the boulevard Haussmann (Editor's note: in the 8th arrondissement of Paris) ", abounds the manager of BH Vitrier Paris.
For traders, the urgency is to secure their shops. Shop window installers are therefore asked first to install plywood sheets, a first step before handing new windows.
Turn to insurers
The UDIVP fears that in a rush, some traders will appeal to companies that improvise glazier. "The professionals are mobilized, but the demand is strong, they will first favor their usual customers.Some traders can then appeal to building companies or auto-entrepreneurs who do not necessarily have the skills or practice of tariffs too high, "warns the vice president of the UDIVP. Some rumors also run that the costs will be borne by the state, which may push merchants to accept any rates while they will never be reimbursed.
His advice: turn to his insurer, who will provide the approach to follow and give them the addresses of professionals who apply agreed rates that will be covered by their insurance. Because the replacement of a showcase represents a budget, especially for high-end glasses. "For shops on the Champs-Elysées or Avenue Montaigne, they are anti-reflection or burglar-proof glasses that are used, which can cost between 15,000 to 20,000 euros," said Alexandre Costa.
Some traders are waiting to see the rest of the movement
Faced with this unprecedented demand, it is not the supply of glass that will cause concern, but rather the availability of glaziers to carry out the projects. Some will call on temporary workers to replace them as soon as possible. But some traders had to wait and spend the holiday season with plywood plates as a showcase.
And then some traders play caution. "I have customers who do not want to proceed with the installation of the new window, they are waiting to see what is planned for the next weekend, so as not to have to replace it twice in a row" , testifies the manager of BH Vitrier Paris.
